My first post - which test should I get?

Hello @palladium and welcome to the Parkinson's support group on Mayo Connect. Generally, when you are being diagnosed for PD, the neurologist will run a number of tests to rule out other neurological disorders and also look for markers that indicate PD.

As you seem to be concerned about which test to undergo, this seems like a good question to ask your neurologist. Is there a reason for your hesitancy?

Before my diagnosis, I was having gait difficulties, and balance problem. What type of symptoms have you had that led you to see a neurologist?

My wife recently had Spect test along with blood work for vit.b12 which was extremely low & may explain her fatigue. After starting b12 sublingual drops daily her fatigue disappeared. Also blood work on several vitamins & heavy metals. No evidence of heavy metals. Low vit.D. All other vitamins & blood work was normal.

Glad you connected with @hopeful33250 and @angels81, @palladium. Tagging a few members who may have input on what tests you should be sure to get to determine if you have Parkinson's @azsingularity @seniormed @cmdw2600 @cctee @dlc1953 @jflamini. They may have input specifically on getting skin punch biopsy looking for phosphorylated alpha-synuclein and/or the single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Also, palladium, here is some Mayo Clinic information on the SPECT scan and skin biopsies, including the skin punch biopsy:

- SPECT scan https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spect-scan/about/pac-20384925

- Skin biopsy https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/skin-biopsy/about/pac-20384634

Here is some information specifically about Parkinson's, including a tab on diagnosis and treatment:

- Parkinson's disease https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055

I don't have much useful input, since I'm not officially diagnosed--just "at risk" (due to the RBD). So, my neurologist didn't feel any advanced testing, scans, etc. are warranted at this time. I'm only doing the yearly screening to monitor for PD symptoms.

If you're neurologist is confident enough to suggest "possible Parkinson's" then I imagine they will tell you which tests to get next. That said, my question would be the same as @hopeful33250's: are you hesitant about some of the tests for any reason?

@palladium Just got the Syn-One test 2 weeks ago, waiting for results. The Doctor I saw seemed quite confident in the reliability of it. Also, I’m testing for orthostatic hypotension, had a tilt table test also. I am more concerned about Parkinson cousin, MSA. Do you have any autonomic symptoms, if so you might have to branch out to cardiology for those tests. I’m hoping you do not.

Hello @angels81,

I appreciate the update. Does your wife have the results of the Spect test yet?

Yes & report states it is suggested that she has PD. Also observation of her walk/gait & tremors in left hand & left leg. MRI indicated right side of brain where dopamine is produced is worse than left side.